The United Nations Of Schools
With students from 100 nations enrolled at HPU, every day is an International Day, which is officially celebrated Friday
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Thai and Samoan students compare costumes
from Samoa, Hawaii offered similarities to her Polynesian home. Both Hawaii and Samoa are very cosmopolitan, she states. But the main attraction was HPU’s engineering program that offers a three-year course, leading to graduate work at University of Southern California.
Last year, the Samoan students had a fale (hut) with a princess welcoming guests. What will it be this year? Maga’s not telling, but she promises it will be exciting.
If you can pronounce his name, you win a prize at Thailand’s booth. We’re just kidding. But Surasak Chanaudompassorn - “call me Lee” - enjoys sharing the traditions of his native Thailand.
The communications graduate has brought elaborate Siamese costumes from home to dress up for the presentation.
We asked if he ever gets homesick. “Chinatown is right there!” he responds with glee. Guess not.
Tekla Weiterman from Saskatchewan, Canada, is a veteran voyager. She traveled extensively with the student tour group Up With People. The junior in international studies works at HPU’s International Student Center.
When asked what is planned at Canada’s booth, she proudly announces that there will be a street hockey tournament with all the action and excitement of that national sport. That is, without the ice rink and skates. In keeping with its competitive spirit, the Canadian team seeks rival hockey players from Russia, Czechoslovakia or Scandinavia.
“It will be friendly competition,” she says. “I hear the U.S. is putting together a team. We’re ready!”
Ahh, youthful enthusiasm. There’ll be plenty of it at HPU’s Intercultural Day on April 21 at the downtown campus.
It’s also an occasion to recognize college President Chatt Wright for bringing a broader view of the world to this campus. Wright says,
“Education is intertwined with the cultures of Hawaii. The views that young people have are shaped by the fact that we’re all part of different minorities. I think that’s very healthy.”
They should call the event Harmony Ho’olaulea.
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